1. Evolution of Logical Reasoning
Lindsay Thibodeau

2. The Four Common Conditional Statement Forms In Logical Reasoning
Rule: If P then Q (P) (not P) (Q) (not Q)
-Affirming the Consequent
-Denying the Antecedent
First premise P Q
Not P
Not Q
Conclusion
Validity
Valid
Not Valid

3. Wason Selection Task A X 2 3 P not P Q not Q
Rule If there is a vowel, there is an even number
Which card(s) do you flip?
Correct answer A
Why? If card A does not have a even number on the other side it disproves the rule. If the 3 card has a vowel an the other side it disproves the rule as well.
General Stucture of the Wason Test

4. Example of Wason Test with a Social Contract Rule
Borrowed Car
Did not borrow car
Filled up tank with gas
Did not fill up tank with gas
P not P Q not Q

5. General Structure of a Social Contract Problem
If you take the benefit, then you must satisfy the requirement.
(If P then Q )
Benefit Accepted P
Benefit not accepted
Not P
Requirement satisfied Q
Requirement not satisfied
Not Q

6. Two Problems based on the Wason Selection Test
Abstract
Difficult
Complex
Wason Selection Test
Social
Easier
Simple
Why are we better at solving logical problems put in social perspective?

7. Evolutionary Perspective Cheater Detection Theory
Rely on social ties to survive
We live in social networks
Help vs punishment
Requirement of a social network
Detecting cheaters
Especially good at it!!!

8. Why are we better…… Social Problems DO NOT activate logical reasoning…
Switched Format
Standard format:
"If you give me your watch, I will give you $100". 
“If I take the benefit, then I will satisfy the requirement.”
 (If P then Q )
Switched format:
"If I give you $100, then you give me your watch"
“If I satisfy the requirement, then I take the benefit.” (switched form)
(If P then Q )

9. Why are we better cont’d… Standard Format Switched Format
Benefit Accepted (she gave me her watch) P Q
Requirement Not Satisfied (I gave her nothing)
Not Q
Not P
Benefit not Accepted (I got no watch from this woman)
Requirement Satisfied (I gave this woman $100)
Correct Cheater Detection Answer (expressed in logical terms)
P & not Q
Q & not P

10. Thank you
Questions/ Comments?????